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[Albion] Surely we must have some decent free kick takers in this squad?



Exilegull

Well-known member
Mar 14, 2024
347
You'd like to think they'd actively and exhaustively explored all the options on the training ground. Tho there's this lingering doubt that it's more a case of 'nah, I'm the captain, I'm taking the free kicks' like they're still at school or something
If you think Roberto would allow that then youre not actually thinking
 






peterward

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Nov 11, 2009
11,366
A lot of our play is (too) predictable. I wonder what RDZ meant when he said that his "players follow him and his training very well...maybe too much".
If we don't mix it up and the players don't take more responsibility for that on the pitch...I fear we could stagnate.
Enormous effort must be put into the training to learn the "de Zerbi way" - maybe there's little energy/ confidence left to break from that sometimes.
I have wondered sort of similar.

Have we become so deeply ingrained in De Zerbi ball, we've lost ability to "mix it up" as you say.

our competitors understand our patterns better and its not as difficult to counter as it once was. We've lost a lot of the surprise.

Elements of Poyet now too, with a lot of backwards and sideways possession at the back. We're often taking more risks in the first 3rd than the final 3rd.

Though I love RDZ, hope he stays, we learn lesson and add new elements or different options to our play.
 




jcdenton08

Enemy of the People
NSC Patron
Oct 17, 2008
10,712
As others have said, I thought it was perfect for Enciso. He’s got the best shot in the team, the range and angle was perfect for him and I think he would’ve made a better fist of it than Dunk.

I love Lewis but I wish he would stop!!
 












raymondo

Well-known member
Apr 26, 2017
5,659
Wiltshire
I have wondered sort of similar.

Have we become so deeply ingrained in De Zerbi ball, we've lost ability to "mix it up" as you say.

our competitors understand our patterns better and its not as difficult to counter as it once was. We've lost a lot of the surprise.

Elements of Poyet now too, with a lot of backwards and sideways possession at the back. We're often taking more risks in the first 3rd than the final 3rd.

Though I love RDZ, hope he stays, we learn lesson and add new elements or different options to our play.
We must have the most analysed style in Europe, many videos available for the opposition coaches to view at leisure. At first, I think Pep was the only one to get it...but it's common knowledge now.

I think our style worked a lot better when March and Mitoma (especially) were playing - I know that's an obvious comment 🤦🏼‍♂️.
Mitoma in particular relished the one on one's (even the one on two's). The result of those were unpredictable and done at pace, clearly could not be scripted on the training ground.

Pedro is also less predictable around the box, and capable of magic on his own.

Having Mitoma and March also meant the oppo didn't press us so high (ok, maybe the top 6) as they were more afraid of balls over the top and being unable to double up on our wingers. (Adingra is good, but not as good IMO).

Now, as you say, "We're often taking more risks in the first 3rd than the final 3rd.", and we could very easily come unstuck in many of our run in games.

Maybe bollox 🤣 but something like that in my view.
 








Exilegull

Well-known member
Mar 14, 2024
347
Only five teams in the Premier League scored a direct free kick in the Premier League this season. Brentford did it twice. Meaning a total of six free kick goals. Buying a specialist to have us score three or four over a season, not worth it
 


VAL1850

Well-known member
Nov 22, 2008
1,924
Beachy Head & WSU
According to Google this is how to take a free kick. I remember David Beckham spent hours practicing including after training. So as per para 4 practice practice, practice...


  1. 1) Pick your spot and visualize. After you place the ball on the ground, look at the goal and pick the exact spot where you are going to shoot. ...
  2. 2) Find the balance between placement and power. ...
  3. 3) Look for the quick free kick. ...
  4. 4) Practice, practice, practice.
 


Swegulls

Well-known member
Aug 29, 2023
593
Stockholm
According to Google this is how to take a free kick. I remember David Beckham spent hours practicing including after training. So as per para 4 practice practice, practice...


  1. 1) Pick your spot and visualize. After you place the ball on the ground, look at the goal and pick the exact spot where you are going to shoot. ...
  2. 2) Find the balance between placement and power. ...
  3. 3) Look for the quick free kick. ...
  4. 4) Practice, practice, practice.
Perfect! Send an OH-film of these to RDZ!
 






Nigella's Cream Pie

Fingerlickin good
Apr 2, 2009
1,058
Up your alley
According to Google this is how to take a free kick. I remember David Beckham spent hours practicing including after training. So as per para 4 practice practice, practice...


  1. 1) Pick your spot and visualize. After you place the ball on the ground, look at the goal and pick the exact spot where you are going to shoot. ...
  2. 2) Find the balance between placement and power. ...
  3. 3) Look for the quick free kick. ...
  4. 4) Practice, practice, practice.
You also have to position yourself at the right spot away from the ball, as per successful rugby penalty takers
 




Scoffers

Well-known member
Jan 13, 2004
6,844
Burgess Hill
I started recording his free kick last night, hoping against hope that it would be a momentous event, my son looked at me as if to say 'what the hell are you doing', sadly he was right, it was wasted footage!
 




Stat Brother

Well-known member
NSC Patron
Jul 11, 2003
73,780
West west west Sussex
Hope Dunk does not look up and see all supporters laughing when they realise he is going to take it
Around me, in the North, we tend to hold our hands up ready to catch the ball.
 




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